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21 Savage Calls for Thug & Gunna Reconciliation, Sparks Debate on “Street” Authenticity
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Rapper 21 Savage ignited a firestorm on X (formerly twitter) with a plea for reconciliation between Young Thug and Gunna, while together questioning the glorification of “street” life in hip-hop. The move, coinciding with the release of his album What Happened to the Streets?, has divided the rap community and sparked a debate about authenticity, loyalty, and the consequences of the YSL RICO case.
The Spark: 21 Savage’s Call for Unity
On December 5, 2023, 21 Savage posted on X, urging Young Thug and Gunna to mend their fractured relationship. The rift between the two rappers stems from widespread accusations that Gunna cooperated with authorities during the YSL RICO trial, a case alleging a conspiracy involving the Young Slime Life (YSL) gang. Savage accompanied his call for reconciliation with the statement, “F–k the streets,” adding, “we ain’t get s–t but trauma from that s–t.”
This sentiment is reflected in the title of his latest album, What Happened to the Streets?, which explores the harsh realities and consequences of street life. The album’s release and Savage’s accompanying statements have prompted a wider conversation about the romanticization of violence and hardship in hip-hop.
Backlash and Hypocrisy Claims
Savage’s message wasn’t universally welcomed. Rapper Boosie Badazz was swift to criticize what he perceived as hypocrisy. Boosie responded on X, stating, “If the rappers go say f–k the streets, y’all need to stop rapping about em. Stop double-dipping.” This highlights a core tension: many artists build their careers and personas on narratives rooted in “street” experiences, and abandoning that image can be seen as inauthentic.
The debate touches on the complex relationship between artistic expression and lived reality. Many argue that rappers have a responsibility to represent their backgrounds honestly, while others contend that they are free to evolve and explore different themes in their music.
The YSL RICO Case: A Timeline
The controversy is deeply intertwined with the ongoing YSL RICO case. Here’s a brief timeline:
